.:The shore is lined with beautifully tumbled stones, some I gathered for the artful stone swap!:.
Early morning had come and the rain could still be heard falling rhythmically on the roof above my head. I laid in bed warmed by the many quilts and the two cats that lay curled up beside my husband and I. Today I woke while the house lay still and quiet.
My mother, daughter and I had planned a girl's day. We were headed out to a small island that holds so much magic for the family. We were prepared to brave the rain and board the ferry, for today we would gather up thirty of the most special stones we could find--tumbled by the shores of the most incredible beach all in hopes of creating very meaningful stones for the artful stone swap!
.: Getting ready to board the ferry that will bring us to the enchanting island! :.
My daughter and I were dressed in a flash in our warm woolen sweaters. My mom brought along a lovely picnic lunch as there would be no stores or restaurants once we reached the island. On the drive to the ferry we took note of all of the homes that were still sound asleep. Drawing closer the houses one by one began to light up as the town slowly awoke.
.: I appreciate seeing the colors that line the docks :.
.: There is beauty to be found in unexpected places! :.
Once the car boarded the ferry, my mom sat inside with my daughter as she slept with blankets wrapped up tightly around her. I decided to venture out on deck to take in the salt air that I love so much.
.: The fog created a lovely landscape around the lighthouse! :.
Soon we approached an island veiled in the most beautiful mist. The foggy mist set the tone to our day of gathering up stones along the shore.
.: Beyond the beautiful golden grass is the shore! :.
Overhead the sky gently misted us. The golden fields of the island glowed in stark contrast to the gray that surrounded us!
.: The trees were even more brillant and stunning in person! :.
This island has a hold on me and inspires me so completely. Each time I visit this island, nature compels me to create. Today it was not only the stones but also the leaves that had fallen from the trees...
.: One of the cards I created to go along with my stones for the 'artful stone swap' :.
.: One of my cards surrounded by the stones I adorned for the swap! :.
We gathered some of the leaves that lay so colorfuly at our feet. Once we were home we set them into our handmade leaf press. after pressing, I adhered them to cardstock so that an extra bit of magic from the island would greet you!
.: One of my favorite homes on the island that overlooks the ocean! :.
.: The colors that shared themselves in nature were absolutely stunning! :.
As we approached the rocky shore my daughter walked on up ahead--she knows this place and shares the deep connection to the island as I do. It is a place of wonder and magical play for all three of my children. It is a rich gift for them to experience the energy of this place.
This is why I knew that the stones for the swap would come from no other place but this one.
.: We found a whole section of beach lined with these open shells. In the water we spotted where thousands of them were still alive :.
.: A sweet surprise-- we found many shells still intact such as this one! :.
Nature here is so plentiful--there is no lack of evidence of life. It surrounds you in the most stunning ways. There are so few places where one can witness such unspoiled wildness and beauty. Here deer will pass you by without fear. Delicate Starfish cling to the rocks amidst beautiful shells and of course the most lovely slate-colored smooth flat stones!
.: A few of the stones I created along with some of the brillant leaves from the island :.
.: This swap was held in honor of my friend Kelly's birthday. From the very first time I spoke with her until the very last time her spirit was always shining. She was the inspiration behind the word I chose to write on each stone :.
I greatly enjoyed adorning these stones! I signed up for each swap group for a total of thirty stones. I couldn't resist photographing each stone as they arrive to share with all of you. (Nor could I resist experiencing the creative energy of this most beautiful community of friends!)
.: I truly enjoyed every moment of creating with these stones! :.
I have been so deeply moved by the letters you have included with your stones. Many of you have moved me to tears that I was not able to hold back. You are a beautiful community that I feel so richly gifted with knowing. Thank you for sharing your hearts and such inspirational creativity with me. I felt my heart swell as I read each story of your stone's origins and your intentions behind them.
.: The range of colors found in stones along this beach was quite impressive! :.
With the gathering basket now full with stones, my mom and daughter walked back to the car to enjoy a nap while we waited for the ferry to bring us back to the mainland.
I stayed on the beach collecting shells and taking in the great energy of the ocean. Each visit to this Island fills me with incredible inspiration and moves me to create! I spent my time gathering up stones and creating this rainbow of color. It started off at the tip of the water and when I finished the water had rolled away.
.: Someone else was inspired by island stones and lined this road with them! :.
I want to share little bits of the scenery that we experienced on our short drive back to the ferry. I will mostly let each photo speak for itself, hoping you will take in the beauty in a quiet way just as we did on this day.
.: These roads remind me of a beautiful painting. It is a gift to visit them on this day!:.
.: Incredibly beautiful stone walls line the island :.
.: Charming buildings along the way! :.
.: My mom spotted this sweet little bird. We pulled the car over for some time and noticed many of its friends! :.
.: A lone seagull saying good-bye as we boarded the ferry back to the mainland :.
I have visited and lived in some incredibly beautiful places, yet none such as this island. It calls to me and stays with me in my heart when I leave its shores. I dream of this place and can't fully believe a place like this exists! It cannot fully be described or ever adequately photographed. It just is.
.: I stamped this sentiment on the inside of the cards. It resonates with me so richly! :.
I hope that you enjoyed this little peek into the island and the inspiration it gave me to create these stones. To those of you who are receiving my artful stones I hope you feel the magic!
